Electricity and Control August 2022

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT

Advancing industry-wide TSN conformance The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) recently announced that it is actively engaged with the Avnu Alliance, ODVA, OPC Foundation (OPCF) and PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) as part of the TSN Industrial Automation Conformance Collaboration (TIACC). The organisations will work together to develop a unified conformance test plan for automation devices that leverage Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), driving standardisation, interoperability and interconnectivity. Bringing together key global industrial network and com munications specialists, the TIACC is an industry-wide initia tive aimed at developing a solution for TSN conformance. The CLPA, together with other leading organisations, will develop and agree a single common conformance test plan to certify TSN-compatible products, in line with the IEC/IEEE 60802 TSN profile for Industrial Automation. The resulting methodology and practices will be released for use to the industrial automation ecosystem. In this way, the TIACCpartners aim to promote the alignment of TSN‑compatible solutions from different vendors, which is essential for the development of converged industrial automation networks. The CLPA’s commitment to TIACC is in line with the organi sation’s overarching strategy to drive the easy integration and openness of networks and devices from multiple vendors. The CLPA has a history of successful collaborations with other Expanding its MicroHAWK range, OMRON has launched the V440-F, an ultra-compact high-resolution fixed-mount code reader which is ideal for reading multiple, minuscule barcodes in a wide area, or over longer distances. The V440-F barcode reader will help manufacturers achieve high-volume, high-speed reading of the tiniest codes, achieve traceability goals such as securing the supply chain, and maximise overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The new barcode reader provides high accuracy and configuration flexibility, combining advanced code read er technology from OMRON MICROSCAN SYSTEMS and image capture technology from OMRON SENTECH; both joined the OMRON group in 2017. It is field-configurable and can read dozens of tiny barcodes simultaneously for applications in which multi ple barcoded products are within the field of view. It can also be configured to read at a long distance and to find multiple codes in a wide area, or on parts moving at high speed. These configuration options make the V440-F suitable for reading one or many codes during product packaging or in an assembly operation where the code reader is located outside the operator’s working area. The intuitive and proven WebLink user interface provides for easy out-of-box configuration and Compact, high-resolution multi-barcode reader

TIACC members, such as OPCF and PI, delivering interoperabi l i ty and companion spec i f i ca t i ons aimed at maxim ising transparen cy between the different protocols available.

The CLPA is engaged with other leading network organisations as part of the TSN Industrial Automation Conformance Collaboration (TIACC).

To further support interoperability, the CLPA invests in its standardised, global network of conformance testing facilities. These are engaged in the evaluation of devices that use CC‑Link IE TSN. Using this real-world experience, and as part of TIACC, the association can contribute to the creation of robust practices to ensure TSN conformance. John Browett, General Manager at CLPA Europe, com ments: “Connected Industries of the future will require different systems and devices to communicate in order to deliver pro cess transparency. This principle is deeply rooted in the CLPA’s ethos and core to the organisation’s founding. Within the TIACC we look forward to supporting the creation of a unified, com mon test plan for TSN-compatible products. In this way, we can help further boost the adoption of futureproof technologies for smart manufacturing.” □

INDUSTRY 4.0 + IIOT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

application tuning, and the advanced decoding algorithms help ensure robust reading performance no matter the surface type (including transparent and reflective surfaces). Power over Ethernet (PoE), and connectivity to automation systems via EtherNet/IP and PROFINET enable reliable connectivity to automation networks. Key features of the new barcode read er include a 5 MP resolution global shutter sensor, a dual core processor supporting an

The compact V440 F can read dozens of tiny barcodes simultaneously.

image capture rate of 35 fps (frames per second), and C-mount lens options enabling the use of wide area, long distance, macro and telecentric lenses. Coaxial spot and ring light kits plus a variety of cables and bracketing make it easy to install a complete code reading system. Manufacturing, logistics, packaging, or assembly ap plications where a wide field of view is needed will bene fit from using the MicroHAWK V440-F. For more information contact Omron Industrial Automation Tel: +27 (0)11 579 2600 Email: info.sa@omron.com Visit: www.industrial.omron.co.za

AUGUST 2022 Electricity + Control

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